18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Arrive in Uganda Via Entebbe International Airport & Transfer To The Lodge.

On day 1 of your trip, you’ll touch down Entebbe International Airport which is positioned within a majestic peninsular and surrounded by freshwaters of Lake Victoria – the largest lake in Africa, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.

You’ll be welcomed by the soothing fresh breeze and brightening equatorial sunshine. You connect to the waiting area where you’ll be courteously welcomed into ‘Pearl of Africa’ by a Prime Uganda Safari representative. Attend a short briefing about Uganda and the safari in particular after which you board the vehicle and connect to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

The drive to Kampala is about an hour. Along the way you catch a glimpse of Lake Victoria’s shimmering waters on your right, see several matatus and Boda Bodas (local 4-wheel and 2-wheel taxis) weave daringly through traffic, smartly dressed residents in colorful fabrics negotiating the pot-holed streets, food stalls serving delicious Rolex. On arrival, you check in your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Viewing the serene waters of the world’s largest tropical lake as you touch down Entebbe Airport.

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic:-Camping at Back Packers Hostel

 Meal Plan: – Lunch & dinner

 Drive distance & time: – Approx. 40km or 1 hour

 Activities & Services of the day:-

• Pick up from Entebbe International Airport and transfer to the hotel in Kampala

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria’s Ngamba Island
• Explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
• Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens
• Fishing trip on Lake Victoria
• Sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria
• Kampala city tour

Day 2 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Drive To Jinja. Undertake A Whitewater Rafting Adventure along The Nile River & A Boat Cruise To The Source Of The Nile.

Your day starts with an early breakfast at around 6.00 am, after which you embark on a 1- 3 hours’ drive from Kampala to Jinja. This large historical town of Uganda is famed for the source of the Nile, one of the most iconic places in Africa – the point at which the Nile River, the longest river on Earth exits Africa’s largest lake to commence an epic 6,650km journey via the deserts of Sudan and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.

On your way to Jinja, you’ll drive through impressive landscapes of the Kampala city outskirts before entering into the sugarcane plantations at Lugazi, the forested lands of Mabira. On arrival check-in, at the lodge, and then get onto the rafts to undertake a challenging whitewater rafting adventure along the Nile.

You’ll raft in the company of expert guides who are at your rescue in case the waters push you off the raft. The crowd cheers from the locals on the river bank enjoying the free sights of your struggle with waters will make you part of the community.

The adventure goes for a half-day after which you relax a little and then connect to the source of the Nile in the afternoon. The boat cruise to the source of the historic Nile River is a rewarding adventure as it exposes you to opportunities of exploring counts of birds. Stepping at the point where John Speke stood as the first European to discover the source of the Nile takes you back to the ancient times when the mystical Nile River Source lured great men into the world of the unknown.

Retreat from Jinja and settle in Kampala for overnight

The highlight of the day: – Whitewater rafting at the source of the world’s longest river

Accommodation: – 

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Back Packers Hostel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive from Kampala to Jinja
• Whitewater rafting
• Boat cruise to the source of the Nile River
• Drive back to Kampala

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day in Jinja include:-

• Kayaking along the Nile
• Bungee jumping into the historic Nile River
• Fishing for the Nile Perch
• Jet boating
• Quad Biking
• Mountain biking

Day 3 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Transfer To Murchison Falls National Park With A Stop Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary For Rhino Tracking.

Start your day with an early breakfast at around 6.00 am. After breakfast, undertake a 311km (5 – 6 hours) panoramic drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park blessed with a high diversity of habitats, the Nile River, the world’s most powerful waterfalls, over 451 bird species and 76 species of mammals including the world’s largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes.

On the way to Murchison, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the flat landscapes of central Uganda, before branching off at Nakitooma for a 7km drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the proud home of the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Here you’ll get the opportunity to undertake 2 hours on-foot rhino tracking expedition. The sanctuary is endowed with over 22 re-introduced Southern white rhinos. The activity begins with a briefing from an expert ranger and thereafter you proceed to track the Rhinos.

While at the sanctuary you may also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks among others, and several bird species. This activity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and should not be missed! After the activity, settle for lunch at Kabalega dinner and continue to Murchison Falls National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Rhino tracking on foot Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

 Accommodation: –

 Luxury/Upmarket: – Paraa Safari Lodge – Safari Tents

Midrange/Standard: – Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari tents

Budget/Basic: – Red Chilli Rest Camp/Murchison River Lodge campsite/Shoebill campsite

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 311km or 5-6 hours

 Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
• Rhino tracking in Ziwa

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush dinner
• Night game drive in Murchison

Day 4 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Morning Game Drive & An Afternoon Nile River Launch Cruise To The Bottom Of The Murchison Falls.

After an early breakfast at around 6.00 am, you will set off on a 3-4 hours morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park’s northern section which is an exquisite section of the park featuring rolling savanna grassland dotted with impressive stands of Borassus palms, acacia trees, and riverine woodland.

Your search for Lions, Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Hyenas, Leopards, Oribi, warthogs, Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Hippos, Uganda kobs, Patas monkeys, Olive baboons, and Crocodiles. You will also have a chance to encounter a variety of unique birds including rare Shoebills, Goliath heron, grey-crowned cranes (Uganda national bird), Abyssinian ground hornbills, Secretary birds, Saddle-bellied storks, Denham’s bustard, Squacco Heron, and Kingfishers, to name just a few.

You retreat from the activity for relaxation and a good lunch. In the afternoon, you will drive to Paraa jetty for what will surely be one of the highlights of this 18 days Uganda camping safari tour: the three hours boat cruise along the world’s longest river to the bottom of the world’s most powerful waterfall which starts at 2 pm.

You’ll slowly cruise eastward along an impressive stretch of the Nile, fringed by Borassus palms, acacia woodland, and mahogany stands, before finally docking in a small bay a few hundred meters away from the crashing waterfall. Marvel at hundreds of hippos, Nile Crocodiles, herds of buffalos, elephants, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, unique birds such as Shoebill, Goliath heron, African jacana, African fish eagle, kingfishers, African skimmer, Saddle-billed stork, and more. Retreat from this incredibly exciting activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the Murchison Falls.

Accommodation:- 

Luxury/Upmarket: – Paraa Safari Lodge – Safari Tents

Midrange/Standard: – Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari tents

Budget/Basic: – Red Chilli Rest Camp/Murchison River Lodge campsite/Shoebill campsite

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison falls

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush breakfast
• Hot air balloon safari
• Birding
• Sport Fishing for Nile Perch

Day 5 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Visit The Top Of The Murchison Falls & Drive To Hoima. Make A Stop At Kibiro Salt Gardens En Route.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today at around 8.30 am. After breakfast, cross with the ferry to the southern section and drive to the top of the falls to explore the famous Murchison Falls. These falls are arguably the world’s most powerful! They’re not very big or wide like some you may have seen before but think of the world’s longest river which is 50 meters wide squeezing through a narrow cleft of up to 7 meters and fall 45 meters down.

The site is impressive for photography. Retreat from the encounter and drive to Hoima. You will make a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens to encounter the heritage of this historic site. The salt gardens have supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community dating far back to 900 years ago far before the coming of Europeans. The locals extract fine salt which they then exchange with the other communities for food and other items.

The work of salt extraction at this site has for long been a dominant of females. The process of extracting is rather long and technical than the ordinary but it is amazing to see how the indigenous knowledge is put into use to have a product out well made.

Accessing the site exposes you to walking on steep and challenging landscapes with narrow paths that can only be accessed by foot. Retreat from the encounter and transfer to Hoima arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight

The highlight of the day: – Visiting the top of the thundering Murchison falls.

 Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Hoima Cultural Lodge

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance and time: – Approx. 170km or 5-6 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Visit the top of the Murchison Falls viewpoint
• Drive to Hoima
• Tour Kibiro Salt Gardens

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush breakfast in Murchison
• Sportfishing along the Nile River

Day 6 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Travel to Fort Portal Area. Visit Amabeere Caves And Hike To The Fort Portal Crater Lake Field & Connect to Kibale National Park.

Begin the day with an early breakfast at around 7.00 am. Then drive to Fort Portal passing through the impressive countryside landscape of Kagadi and Kyenjojo that are dotted with lush green, rural homesteads, and farmlands. Arrive in Fort Portal, a beautiful town, situated amid the rolling hills of Tooro in the shadow of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’.

Enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in town, after which you connect to Amabeere Cave, named after the live stalactite formation, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru – literally, Breasts of Nyinamwiru. The breast-like features in the caves are believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru, the daughter of King Bukuku who is said to have been so beautiful that no man could leave her alone. When the King became weary of receiving marital requests from unsuitable suitors, he took the extreme measure of cutting off his daughter’s breasts to make her less attractive.

But even this proved to be insufficient to deter Nyinamwiru’s many admirers, so the king hid her away in the cave now known as Amabere. Here, she was discovered by the Batembuzi King Isaza, who impregnated her with a son. Because Nyinamwiru lacked breasts, she stayed on in the cave with her baby, feeding him on the cloudy limestone ‘milk’ that drips from its stalactites. The child nurtured by the stalactite formation grew up and became king Ndahura of the legendary Bachwezi dynasty.

From the caves, proceed to hike the dramatic Fort Portal Crater field and summit the famous Kyeganywa hill which offers impressive views of the crater lakes and crater hollows below and the views of Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to Kibale National Park, a natural habitat for an amazing 13 primate species, and contains the highest primate density of any area on earth including over 1500 chimpanzees. Some of the trees are 50 to 60m (150 to 180 feet) in height and provide a majestic canopy for the profusion of rain forest life, including 325 bird species. On arrival, check-in your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The heritage tour to Amabere Cave and the scenic hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake Field.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Papaya Lodge

Midrange/Standard: – Kibale Forest Camp

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Primate Lodge/Nkuruba Nature Reserve/Rwetera Safari Park

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time:-

Activities & services of the day:-

• Transfer to Fort Portal
• Hike to the Amabere Cave and Fort Portal Crater Lake field
• Drive to Kibale National Park

 Optional activities you can choose to do on this day:-

• Cycling in Mpanga Tea Estate
• Nocturnal walk in Kibale Forest in search of nocturnal creatures including Pottos and Bushbabies

Day 7 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale Forest Park & Afternoon Walk-In Bigodi Wetland.

Start your day with an early morning breakfast at around 6.00 am. After breakfast, you pack your lunch and transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre to meet the expert local ranger guide. At 8.00 am, the guide gives you a short briefing on the chimpanzee tracking experience, as well as dos and don’ts. Top on the list: avoid getting too close. This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of Chimps as our diseases and virus can easily spread to them due to shared DNA.

After the briefing, you’re accompanied by the ranger guide into the forest to search for the chimps. The trek lasts 2-5 hours and contacts time with the chimpanzees is limited to 1 hour. As you track in the depth of the lush green forest, you’re surrounded by bird songs, colorful butterflies, and monkeys.

Finally, you’ll approach the chimps which have been fully habituated and thus offering you an opportunity to draw closer and marvel at how similar they’re to humans, watching them (from a safe but intimate distance of 8-10 meters) as you take pictures.

You will retreat from the activity and connect to the starting point and settle for your packed lunch. After lunch, embark on a short drive to the nearby community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a 2 hours swamp walk in this eco-tourism site which hosts 200 bird species and several primates. You can opt to undertake a cultural to Bigodi village and craft center to explore the local way of life. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Tracking a troop of wild chimpanzees on foot in Kibale National Park

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Papaya Lodge

Midrange/Standard: – Kibale Forest Camp

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Primate Lodge/Nkuruba Nature Reserve/Rwetera Safari Park

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
• A nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Whole-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
• Birding in Kibale Forest
• Nocturnal walk in Kibale Forest

Day 8 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Drive to Semliki National Park. Hike To Sempaya Hot Springs & Visit The Batwa Pygmy Community. Transfer To Kasese &Visit The Rwenzori Art Foundation.

Have a relaxed breakfast today at around 8.30 am after which you embark on a 78km (2-5 hours) drive to Semuliki National Park – birder’s paradise. The 220 square kilometer forest park is located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley,  home to intriguing wildlife including 440 bird species, Mona monkeys, Anubis baboons, De Brazza’s monkeys, Black-and-white colobus monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Chimpanzees, Red-tailed monkeys, Forest buffalos, Forest Elephants, Water chevrotains, Zenker’s flying mice and Pygmy antelopes.

On arrival in Semuliki, you will undertake a 2-4 hours nature walk along the Sempaya Nature Trail to view the Sempaya hot springs, primates, and birds. There are 2 hot springs: the “male” hot spring is known as Bitente and the “female” hot spring, the geyser is called Nyansimbi. The geyser spouts up to 2 meters into the air from an opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of over 100 °C and the surrounding pools are hot. You can boil some plantain or eggs to have picnic bites.

Retreat from the activity and connect to Ntandi to visit the Batwa (a tribe of hunter-gatherer people) who were evicted in the forest of Semuliki to pave way for conservation. They dance for you and tell you stories of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

From Semliki, you connect back to Fort Portal and transfer to Kasese. Upon arrival in Kasese, visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation which is the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa where you have an opportunity to explore the gallery with a collection of beautiful artworks. The foundation also offers an experiential touch and allows you to participate in the casting process. You can learn a skill like basket weaving. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The highlight of the day: – Visiting the Sempaya hot springs and Batwa – hunter-gatherer people Accommodation: – Camping at Ruboni Community Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive from Kibale to Semuliki
• Hiking to Sempaya hot springs
• Cultural visit to the Batwa community at Ntandi
• Drive to Kasese
• Visit Rwenzori Art Foundation

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day:-

• Birding in Semuliki National Park
• Cultural tour to Ruboni community in Kasese

Day 9 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Whole Day Adventure Hiking In The Rwenzori Mountains Or Mountains Of The Moon.

After an early breakfast at around 6.00 am, you will transfer to the Nyakalengija ranger post to start the Mount Rwenzori hike at 8 am. Organized by the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services that manages the Central Circuit Trail, the Rwenzori hike is a daylong encounter enabling you to explore the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in detail.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Rwenzori Mountains is Africa’s most dramatic and highest mountain range rising to 5109 meters above sea level with snow-capped peaks.

The day-long exploration of these legendary mountains of the moon presents magical sights of the Rwenzori ridges, the rift valley lakes below including Edward and George, the savannah stretches of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the panoramic view of Kasese town. Retire at 5 pm for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Ruboni Community Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & services of the day:-

• Hike on the Rwenzori Mountains

Day 10 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Do A Morning Game Drive In Kasenyi Plains & Afternoon Boat Cruise On The Kazinga Channel In Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enjoy breakfast at 6.00 am and then embark on a 3-4 hours game drive in the classic savannah plains of the Kasenyi sector in search of Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Warthogs, Giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs, Hippos, and various smaller creatures. This section, apart from the great wildlife, is also one of the prettiest in the park, especially in the golden light of the morning.

While a major attraction for you is of course the mammals, birding within Queen Elizabeth is superb. You spend some time ticking a good number of special species including Grey-crowned crane, Red-throated spurfowl, Yellow-throated longclaw, White-backed vulture, White-headed vulture, Long-crested Eagle, Black-bellied bustard, African Skimmer, and Brown Snake Eagle, to name just a few. Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Mweya Jetty for another remarkable, unforgettable activity planned; the 2-hour boat trip on the 40 Kazinga channel which flows between Lakes George and Edward. One of the world’s densest concentrations of hippo lives here, as well as large numbers of elephants, crocodiles, and water birds like African Open-billed, Yellow-billed, and Saddle-billed Storks; Water Thick-knee and Pelicans. Retreat from the activity and do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – An amazing wild boat cruise along the spectacular Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mweya Safari Lodge – Luxury Safari Tents/Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Midrange/Standard: – Kasenyi Safari Camp/Bush Lodge – self-contained tents

Budget/Basic: – Bush Lodge – non -self-contained tents/Camping at Twin Lakes Campsite/Kazinga Channel View Resort

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Activities & Services of the day:-

• Morning game drive in Kasenyi sector
• Afternoon launch cruise on the Kazinga channel
• Evening game drive along the channel track

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush breakfast
• Birding
• Cultural interactive village visits
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge/Kalinzu Forest
• Night game drive

Day 11 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Travel To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park With An En-Route Game Drive In Ishasha Sector Of Queen In Search Of The Rare Tree Climbing Lions.

Have your breakfast at 8.30 am and set off on a 4-7 hours’ drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Before leaving Queen, enjoy a short game drive in the Ishasha Plains in search of the plain’s well know tree-climbing lions. After seeing these brilliantly adapted creatures, exit the park and travel through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda as you make your way to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Despite its rather forbidding name, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical forest wonderland. It has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Covering 321 km², the rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. Bwindi is world-renowned for excellent gorilla trekking opportunities, harboring nearly half of the Mountain Gorillas on Earth. Aside from the majestic Mountain Gorillas, there are other drawcards including over 120 mammal species, 10 species of primates, over 350 species of bird to spot, 1000 species of flowing plants, and a variety of colorful butterflies.

The highlight of the day: – Encountering the rare tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Gorilla Forest Camp/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp

Midrange/Standard: – Gorilla Mist Camp/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 130-220km or 4-7 hours

 Activities & Services of the day:-

• The scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Game drive in Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing Lions

 Day 12 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi & Transfer To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Today, experience what some people define as a life-changing event: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi of Impenetrable Forest! Wake up very early in the morning (at around 6.00 am). Have a hearty breakfast, pack your lunch and then embark on a short drive to the respective park headquarter where you meet the expert local ranger guides. At 8.00 am, the guides give an informative briefing on how the gorilla trekking experience is conducted.

After the briefing, embark on a trek to find the gorillas. A Gorilla trek in the dense forest of Bwindi is relatively difficult and needs some stamina. It usually takes 2- 6 hours and may reach altitudes of almost 2000m above sea level. The forest also can sometimes be wet, muddy, and uncomfortable, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated family group of gorillas, dominated by a giant male Silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. An adult male can weigh up to 220kg and reach 6 feet in height but gorillas are placid and gentle; watching their movements are like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Contact time with gorillas is limited to one hour but coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas is indeed a life-changing experience that will be etched on your mind forever.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to the starting point to embark on the transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to the extreme southwest of Uganda in the Virunga massif where it shelters three peaks of the eight mountain chain. You drive through impressive Kigezi highlands while enjoying the sights of the Virunga Volcanoes arriving at your lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The one hour encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Amajambere iwacu Community Camp

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Activities & Services of the day:-

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
• Birding in Bwindi

Day 13 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Climb Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) In Mgahinga. Optional Golden Monkey Tracking.

Have a hearty breakfast at around 6.30 am, pack your lunch, mountain trekking essentials, and transfer to Ntebeko visitor center. Have a short briefing about the encounter, after which embark on the hike to the peak of Sabyinyo Volcano at 3,669m above sea level. Hike through regenerating forest, home to bushbucks and buffaloes. Entering a beautiful bamboo forest where you might be lucky and see the beautiful golden monkeys.

Then hike Afro-montane forest dominated by Hagenia trees whose boughs are laden with wispy old man’s beard. Look out for unique birds including the Rwenzori turaco. Hike further, upper slopes to encounter the alpine moorland vegetation dotted with bizarre giant lobelias and groundsels. The path is very steep and there is a little wooden ladder along the way to prevent erosion and help you on more difficult parts of the ascent.

The final part of the climb requires summiting three peaks linked by high-altitude saddles. Hiking up from the second to the third and the highest peak−located at a tripartite border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is particularly spectacular.

Depending on your fitness level and how many stops you make on the way, the hike can take anything from 7 to 10 hours. If it proves to be very strenuous for you or if you battle with the altitude, you can opt to turn back after summiting the first peak. That way, you still get to experience all the different vegetation zones and on a clear day, you’re rewarded with an amazing view from the top. Retreat from the climb to mark the end of the encounter

Alternatively, embark on the golden monkey tracking where you have the opportunity to explore the endangered golden monkeys that are confined to the Virunga massif on a world scale. The habituated groups thrive in the Bamboo zone on the slopes of Mount Gahinga and their golden patch and playful tactics make them interesting to encounter on Uganda safaris.

The highlight of the day: – Hiking the magnificent extinct 3,669m Sabyinyo Volcano

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Amajambere iwacu Community Camp

 Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Activities & Services of the day:-

• Climb Sabyinyo volcano

Optional activities you can choose to do on the day include:-

• Trek the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga
• Track the beautiful Golden monkeys which are endemic to the Albertine rift
• Undertake an interactive cultural tour with Batwa, the first people of the forest

Day 14 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Undertake The Batwa Trail Cultural Encounter & Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi.

After your breakfast at around 7.30, transfer to the Ntebeko visitor center for a briefing about the Batwa Trail experience which starts at 8.30 am. The trail introduces you to the Batwa/Twa (pygmy) people – a hunter-gatherer tribe who for generations depended on the forest for shelter, food, and medicine. The trail is led by a local Twa guide, who explains how they used to live in the forest before being ousted when it became a national park.

You follow the trail along the lower slopes of Virunga as Twa guide demonstrates several traditional practical skills such as: – lighting fire by rubbing sticks together, bivouac building that they lived in, hunting and trapping techniques, target practice with a bow and arrow, and how to fetch water in a bamboo cup.

Learn about food gathering; nutritious leaves, plants, berries that are found in the forest that you might not even notice. Also, learn about the plants, roots, herbs, bark from trees that the Batwa have used as medicine for centuries. (You see plants. The Batwa people see a pharmacy). The trail ends inside 342m long Garama Cave where a group of women in the darkness sing and acts out a song of sadness about the loss of their beloved forest and their desire to return to what is now a national park.

The trail also includes a discussion of the current plight of the Batwa. It is a journey back to the authentic culture that now facing the risk of extinction.  Retreat from the encounter and undertake a scenic 80km about (1 ½ – 2 hours) drive to the legendary Lake Bunyonyi (literally a place of little birds). This little magical lake is the second deepest Africa and its contorted shore encircles 29 islands, surrounded by spectacular steep terraced hillsides.

On your journey to Bunyonyi, drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands with a cool temperate climate and rugged terrain that has earned them the dub as the Switzerland of Africa. On arrival, relax, have dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Exploring the ancient culture of Batwa pygmy people

Accommodation: –

Midrange/Standard: – Bunyonyi Overland Resort – Furnished Safari Tents

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort/Bunyonyi Overland Resort-campsite

 Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Batwa trail experience
• Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Optional activities you can choose to do on the day include:-

• Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
• Golden monkey tracking
• Birding

Day 15 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Boat Ride On Lake Bunyonyi. Visit The Island Communities & School.

After a relaxed breakfast at around 8.30 am, undertake a recreational boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the lake of a thousand Islands because of its 29 Islands.

You’ll make various docks allowing you to walk on of the Islands to explore the local people and their way of life including the traditional foods, the traditional musical performances, the local brew, and visits to the local schools.

You explore the legendary Bucuranuka or Upside down Island which is believed to have buried a group of male revelers who refused to share their abundant stock of beer with an old lady who had embarked on a canoe to join them. Unfortunately for the drinking party, the woman was a sorceress. She returned to her canoe, paddled a safe distance away, and then used her magical powers to overturn the island-drowning everybody in the party and then flip it back the right way up as if nothing had happened.

Visit the Akampane/Punishment Island when unmarried girls who became pregnant would be exiled. Here, they faced one of two possible fates. Any man who did not own sufficient cows to pay for an untainted bride was permitted to fetch the disgraced girl from the island and make her his wife. Failing that, the girl would usually starve to death. Retreat from the activity for relaxation dinner and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The adventurous night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation: –

Midrange/Standard: – Bunyonyi Overland Resort – Furnished Safari Tents

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort/Bunyonyi Overland Resort-campsite

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Visit island communities and School

Day 16 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park For A Night Game Drive. Make A stop At Igongo Cultural Centre For A Traditional Lunch.

Have a relaxed breakfast today and then embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 5 – 6 hours’ drive.

You drive through impressive south western Uganda landscapes before making a stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town the largest in the sub-region for lunch. After lunch, you will proceed to 33km to the park, check-in at your lodge, and relax.

Between 6.30 pm -7.00 pm, you embark on a 2 -3 hours night game drive escorted by a ranger guide in the savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park with possibilities of exploring nocturnal species rarely seen during the day.

There are great chances to see nocturnal animals such as bushbabies, pottos, and perhaps even a leopard. You also have chances of viewing the day hunters and grazers having a night’s rest. Retire for overnight

The highlight of the day: – The adventurous night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation: –

Luxury/Upmarket: – Mihingo Lodge

Midrange/Standard: – Rwonyo Camp

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Eagles Nest

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
• Traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre
• Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo National Park
• Evening game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 17 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Cultural Tour To The Banyankole Community. Drive Back To Kampala With An En-Route Stop At The Equator Crossing Kayabwe.

Wake up for breakfast at around 6.00 am and then connect to Enyemebwa Centre to catch up with the herdsmen getting up to do the milking and their daily routine. Arrive and get the milking equipment including the tying rope and the milking pot to actively participate in the traditional hand milking of the world-famous Ankole long-horned cattle.

From milking, participate in sick animal treating, caring for cows like brushing their body using the locally made fiber brush known as Enkuyo, and then set out to graze in the wilderness. Enjoy the stimulating sounds that are made by the herdsmen as they get out to the grazing field. Be mesmerized by the cows know how to align themselves forming a line headed by those that have the special character of leading others.

Retreat from the encounter and visit the traditional hut where you find the women churning milk in the churning gourd. From here, you can explore the extensive banana plantations where you learn about various banana types and their respective use. You can participate in pruning and weeding using local methods and then participate in initial arrangements for traditional lunch.

Take a break from that and rush to the well with red soil that is used for smearing the soil-made water trough. Smear the trough, fill it with water and then wait for the cattle to come and water them accordingly.

You can also opt to have a bull slaughtered and grilled traditionally for you where you can also have it alongside the delicious local sauce that is made without fire called Eshabwe. Join the women as they clean milk pots and smoking them with the help of handmade ceramic and specially chosen tree and grass Species, making crafts and calf pen arrangements.

In the evening after the cows have settled in their Kraal, you attend to the traditional performances including citations, dancing, and singing. It is a fascinating encounter that allows you to gain a deep immersion of the local culture.

Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer back to Kampala in the afternoon 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots where you have the opportunity to take photos with one leg in the northern hemisphere and another one in the southern hemisphere. Continue to arrive in Kampala in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight

The highlight of the day: – The interactive cultural tour in the Banyankore community and Uganda Equator crossing experience Kayabwe.

Accommodation: –

Budget/Basic: – Camping at Back Packers Hostel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Whole Banyankole community tour

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park
• Cycling tour in Lake Mburo Park
• Birding in Lake Mburo NP
• Sportfishing in Lake Mburo

Day 18 Of The 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour: Departure.

After breakfast, at around 8.30 am, do your last-minute shopping and embark on a 40km 1 hour) drive to Entebbe International Airport for the flight departure back home.

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Drive to Entebbe International Airport for departure

End of the 18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour − SAFARI INCLUSIONS

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safari)
• Chimpanzee Permit( for chimpanzee trekking safari)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)

 

Links Of Related Safari Accommodation In The Featured Safari Destinations For The 18 DAYS UGANDA CAMPING SAFARI TOUR

Accommodation in Kampala

• Luxury accommodation in Kampala
• Midrange accommodation in Kampala
• Budget accommodation in Kampala

Accommodation in Jinja

• Luxury accommodation in Jinja
• Midrange accommodation in Jinja
• Budget accommodation in Jinja

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park
• Budget accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation in Hoima

• Luxury accommodation in Hoima
• Midrange accommodation in Hoima
• Budget accommodation in Hoima

Accommodation in Kibale National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Kibale National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Kibale National Park
• Budget accommodation in Kibale National Park

Accommodation in Kasese

• Luxury accommodation in Kasese
• Midrange accommodation in Kasese
• Budget accommodation in Kasese

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Luxury accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Midrange accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Budget accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Budget accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Budget accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi

• Luxury accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
• Midrange accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
• Budget accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi

• Luxury accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
• Midrange accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi
• Budget accommodation in Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

• Luxury accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park
• Midrange accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park
• Budget accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park

16 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

10 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

7 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour

5 Days Uganda Camping Safari

4 Days Uganda Camping Safari

3 Days Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Camping Safari In Uganda Tour

3 Days Uganda Camping Safari- Wildlife Viewing In Queen

2 Days Uganda Camping Safari

 

 

 

18 Days Uganda Camping Safari Tour − GORILLA TREKKING TIPS

• Carry plenty of water and some quick calories. The trek is relatively tiresome.
• Put on strong hiking shoes/boots
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt/t-shirt, thick trousers.
• Strong gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants are also recommended
• Bring a warm sweater/fleece as it is often cold at the outset
• Carry a rain jacket or poncho since it can rain at any time in the tropical rainforest of Bwindi
• It is also a good idea to have sunscreen and sunglasses

Follow this link to read more about gorilla trekking tips and advice.

Visas for Uganda – do you need a visa to enter/tour Uganda?: Uganda entry, exit, and visa requirements

Passport

Any world traveler interested in a Uganda safari or a Uganda tour is required to be in possession of a valid passport issued by the respective country of origin. Uganda immigration Authorities require that the passport copy should be 6 months valid and must have at least one page where the stamp can be put.

Regarding the citizens of the East African Community, it can be noted that they do not require passports to enter Uganda. They can travel under the admissible temporary document and use their national identification cards for identification.

At Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, your safety is our utmost priority. We have thus undertaken the necessary safety measures in compliance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures by the Governments of ALL African countries in which we operate with a goal of protecting our customers while traveling and on their Africa safari. The following guidelines will be applicable for your  Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, and other African Countries.